The Oakland Raiders have quarterback competition taking place with a player they never intended on having. Prior to the NFL Draft, the Raiders signed Seattle Seahawks backup Matt Flynn as the presumed starting quarterback. However, they intended on also drafting a rookie quarterback to sit behind Flynn and likely take over the team in a few years. Flynn has never been viewed as the long-term option in Oakland, but neither was Tyler Wilson.
The National Football Post reports that the Raiders originally had their sights set on USC quarterback Matt Barkley as their first quarterback option in the NFL Draft. Barkley fell far in the draft boards. He was the fourth quarterback taken in the fourth round by the Philadelphia Eagles. Oakland saw his slip as a great opportunity and planned on taking him with their fourth-round pick, but the Eagles got their first. General manager Reggie McKenzie was then forced to use his fallback option in Wilson.
Both quarterbacks are now on very different paths in the NFL. Barkley now sits in the third spot on the Eagles' roster. Michael Vick is likely to start with Nick Foles to be his backup and possible starter after Vick's time is up. Barkley may not see the field for some time unless injuries hit Philadelphia.
Wilson is now impressing coaches during his time in OTAs and minicamps and is in fighting position to be the starting quarterback. His play dwindled a bit towards the end of June, but it is obvious that McKenzie is not regretting having to take Wilson over Barkley.
Flynn has been declared the starting quarterback by head coach Dennis Allen. After offseason workouts were wrapped up, Allen felt that if the season were to start tomorrow, Flynn would be under center with the offense.
"Matt's out starting quarterback as we go forward right now and until the competition dictates otherwise, that's where we're going," Allen said.
This is certainly not a surprise. Wilson has not had the much practice. Terrelle Pryor is in an uphill battle to even remain on the roster. Matt McGloin has not seen too many snaps with the first team. Flynn already has NFL experience under his belt and is the safer choice at the moment.
Things could have been much different for Barkley had Oakland gotten their hands on him. Now stuck as a backup's backup in Philly, Barkley might not be a starter for years. If Flynn struggles, Wilson is a starter this season.